Is your self-image suffering? Do you struggle with body shame issues? If you're like many people, you may see yourself through critical eyes that tell you you're not fit enough, thin enough, or as attractive as you'd like to be. From decades of research, I've found that many people of all genders suffer from feelings of low self-esteem and poor self-confidence that are often connected to body shame. And social media – with its often-doctored images promoting impossibly perfect ideals – can makes things worse. In fact, people often give up altogether when the bar is set too high. So how can you get unstuck and get motivated to simply be (and love) your best self--whatever that might look like? Are gentle mindfulness and self-compassion the keys?

I'm joined by barre3 CEO and co-founder, Sadie Lincoln who will walk us into the realm of how mindful, compassionate exercise can increase body positivity, self-love, and overall well-being. Topics discussed include body image, body shaming, self-love, self-compassion, mindfulness, mindful movement, fitness, compassion, exercise, barre3, weight, weight loss, dieting, self-care, female entrepreneurs, negative self-talk, and positive self-talk.

Please note that this episode may contain sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911" or "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline). Support/informational links are in the show notes.

https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

Joy from Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fear-Carla-Marie-Manly/dp/1641701218

Date Smart: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Smart-Transform-Relationships-Fearlessly/dp/1641704675

Aging Joyfully: https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Joyfully-Optimal-Relationships-Fulfillment/dp/1641701412

The Joy of Imperfect Love: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Imperfect-Love-Creating-Relationships/dp/1641709057

Oracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1757477615/imperfect-love-reflection-oracle-cards

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Love-Reflection-Oracle-Cards/dp/B0D1Z5M4YK

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/

We often experience or hear about eating disorders. We talk about them--often behind closed doors--as if they're something to be ashamed of and ignored. Yet eating disorders--like all mental issues--are complex, highly challenging, and often resistant to change. They deserve our attention. And for anyone who's been mired in an eating disorder or has had a friend or family member struggle with this issue you know how devastating they can be. And in every case I've seen, the road to recovery is not a straight trajectory--it's a wobbly path filled with hurdles, small steps forward, and plenty of slips along the way. Yet, with perseverance and support, people may ultimately recover from--or at least get a good handle on--this serious issue that significantly impacts both mental and physical health. Dr. Carla Manly is joined by author, journalist, and assistant professor Mallary Tenore Tarpley, who offers a groundbreaking paradigm to help those living with--and recovering from--eating disorders. Topics discussed include eating disorders, eating disorder recovery, mental health issues, bulimia, anorexia, anorexia nervosa, physical health, binging, purging, disordered eating, healing, recovery, addiction, depression, anxiety, mental health support, college, life changes, stress, support groups, individual therapy, eating disorder specialists, psychotherapy, and family support.

Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support/informational links are in the show notes.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: No expert is offering medical or psychological direction or advice; the content is purely informational in nature. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before undertaking any new regimen or procedure.

Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend

Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love Fearlessly

Aging Joyfully: A Woman's Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and Beyond

The Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached Relationships

Oracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:

Etsy

Amazon

Sex tends to be an important, connective aspect of intimate relationships. But all too often, couples find that they have different sex drives or encounter other sexual issues that leave one or both partners feeling stressed or dissatisfied. This can be especially troublesome when a couple experiences great sex while dating – an indicator that sexual compatibility is high – only to face an inexplicable disconnection down the line. Over time, I've found that even when other aspects of a romantic relationship are going well, a disruption in sexual intimacy can have far-reaching effects, including reducing self-esteem, fostering resentment, and even triggering infidelity.

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a top-notch psychologist, certified sex therapist, and author who will help us uncover the secrets to healthy – and happy – sexual intimacy. Topics discussed include sex, sexual intimacy, trauma, connection, love languages, touch, desire discrepancy, libido, low sex drive, menopause, perimenopause, depression, self-protection, defense mechanisms, stress, guilt, blame, shame, passion, desire, fidelity agreement, infidelity, solo sex, date nights, massage, self-pleasure, intimacy, and communication.

Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support/informational links are in the show notes.

Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

Joy from Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fear-Carla-Marie-Manly/dp/1641701218

Date Smart: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Smart-Transform-Relationships-Fearlessly/dp/1641704675

Aging Joyfully: https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Joyfully-Optimal-Relationships-Fulfillment/dp/1641701412

The Joy of Imperfect Love: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Imperfect-Love-Creating-Relationships/dp/1641709057

Oracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1757477615/imperfect-love-reflection-oracle-cards

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Love-Reflection-Oracle-Cards/dp/B0D1Z5M4YK

We often hear about the "fight - flight" response, that instinctive reaction to a fear-inducing situation. In fact, you've likely witnessed or responded to an actual or perceived threat with protective aggression or a fearful escape. Yet two other hardwired responses--freezing and fawning--are also part of our instinctual repertoire. And while such responses are intended to keep us safe and alive when in danger, they can actually hamper self-esteem, self-worth, and interpersonal relationships when they become our default. Today, we'll take a look at how an overactive fawn response--that tendency to appease and please--can make you lose your identity as you sacrifice yourself--your core identity--to make others happy and keep the peace. Join Dr. Carla Manly and renowned psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Ingrid Clayton for an empowering journey into healing from fawning--and reclaiming your voice and your life.

Topics discussed include fawning, appeasing, fight-flight response, trauma, relational trauma, complex trauma, abuse, domestic violence, gaslighting, self-gaslighting, intergenerational trauma, intergenerational patterns, support groups, people-pleasing, self-compassion, healthy love, external validation, support groups, boundaries, healthy boundaries, flexible boundaries, healthy relationships, self-love, and self-growth.

Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised. Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support/informational links are in the show notes.

Books by Dr. Carla Manly:

Joy from Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Fear-Carla-Marie-Manly/dp/1641701218

Date Smart: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Smart-Transform-Relationships-Fearlessly/dp/1641704675

Aging Joyfully: https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Joyfully-Optimal-Relationships-Fulfillment/dp/1641701412

The Joy of Imperfect Love: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Imperfect-Love-Creating-Relationships/dp/1641709057

Oracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1757477615/imperfect-love-reflection-oracle-cards

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Love-Reflection-Oracle-Cards/dp/B0D1Z5M4YK

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/

Do you struggle with co-dependency? Is there a narcissist in your life whose abusive tactics are eroding your joy, self-confidence, and energy? Unfortunately, issues like these are widespread in today's world, and they affect people of all ages and genders. And given the prevalence of both narcissistic abuse and co-dependency, it's likely that you or someone you know has encountered--or currently is wrestling with--these extremely challenging and destructive dynamics. Yet in my clinical work and research, I've found that it's certainly possible to gain the awareness, strength, and courage that it takes to grow and heal.

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Schewitz who is renowned for her expertise in helping people recognize, understand, and change unhealthy patterns that get in the way of secure attachment, healthy relationships, and genuine love. Topics discussed include narcissism, gaslighting, narcissistic abuse, abuse, emotional abuse, healthy relationships, healing, secure attachment, insecure attachment, attachment styles, unresolved attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, dismissive attachment, disorganized attachment, attachment trauma, avoidant attachment, trauma, NPD, narcissistic personality disorder, love, empathy, co-dependence, addiction, addictive behaviors, addictive cycles, awareness, self-awareness, self-care, self-love, inner strength, and compassion.

Please note that this episode contains sensitive material; listener discretion is advised.

Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911," "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline), or SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Support/informational links are in the show notes.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/